Rainsong Smokey String Advice

[buzzardwhiskey]

Originally Posted by steelvibe

Yes Sir, I agree. I'm not liking the J Pearse as much- not a dig on those strings at all. They are popular for a reason, but I suspect they shine more on wooden instruments. I have 2 sets strings waiting that I think might beat out the Flat Tops though; Martin Retros and Elixir Polyweb 80/20- both of which have received high praise from RainSong owners. Like you, I'm looking to cut that sizzle that seems to be amplified by CF bodies- I'm looking for a mellower tone since I play mostly fingerstyle.

I also will be trying Martin Lifespans in both 80/20 and PB, as I liked them quite a lot on my wood guitar.

Haven't tried the Retro's. You'll have to post your thoughts.

[Captain Jim]

I tried some Martin Lifespans on my Shorty... went back to the Elixir Nanos on the next string change. I try other strings, but always come back.

[Bill in HSBO]

I've had three sets of strings on my Smokey, and have arrived at a point where I'm happiest with D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze. The original DR black ones were dead....the ClearTone lights had a dead low E. I may try FlatTops but the EF16s are just fine...familiar to me anyway for other guitar I have...and allow the full range to ring nicely.

[slopeshoulder]

Mine likes John Pearse PBs. .12-.53.

[Parlorman]

I still haven't found strings I like on my Rainsong P12. I hated the Elixirs. I've been going through various gauges and types of strings. I currently have a set of Euphonon light 80/20 bronze on it that are OK but still not what I'm looking for.

I bought the Rainsong to use in situations where I don't want to bring by vintage guitars out and I know I'm probably setting myself up for failure by comparing the CF to those instruments, but that's the grail I'm chasing.

[NoodleFingers]

I'm in a similar situation, looking for the best strings for my Rainsong Concert.

I've been very happy with Ernie Ball Everlast strings on my Seagull. They're coated, but they feel and sound just like uncoated strings to me. They just last longer. Not as long as the Elixirs, but still about 3x as long as uncoated strings.

I put Everlast 80/20s on my Rainsong, but they're maybe just a little bright. I'm going to try the phosphor bronze next and see what I think of those.

[mot]

Don't worry about strings too much as you won't notice the differences in many brands/styles at first. If you are new to guitar then you should probably use light strings so you can play longer and you should find a good local teacher. There are awesome on line sites like JustinGuitar, but there is something to be said for a local teacher.

[tommyld]

I've been enjoying Martin FX mediums (I tune down half a step)...really warm, expressive.

[Oleg]

D'Addario EXP11 are my favorite.

[RickSpreitzer]

I have tried a variety of strings with a variety of success. I typically go with clear tones if going coated. If not just plain old D Addario EJ 16s work for me.

One huge difference in tone seems to come from the saddle more than the string. At least for me. On both my rain song and composite acoustic guitars, I swapped out the saddles for bone. I also changed the pins to bone or horn. More than strings, this has greatly improve the tone of the guitar.

I would steer you toward Macnichol Guitars. Michael Stone is now selling saddles and pins custom fit for guitars. He is also a great authority on carbon fiber instruments as many of you may know.

www.macnichol.com

[PeteCady]

Updating my response some months back:

I now have La Bella 700ML (Silver plated copper windings, 11/15/22/32/42/52) on the Shorty SFT, and like them a lot. Easy action, and a little more "gentle" sound when played with a flatpick. Last night I dug out a set of Newtone "Master Class" PBs, in a custom gauge, 12/16/24/34/44/54, that I'd forgotten I had, and put them on the Smokey SMH. Too soon to be sure, but I think they'll be good. Action is still easy (I think the setup is a little better on the Smokey), and they have the power you expect if you're lugging a bigger guitar around.

[sirwhale]

I'm digging up an old thread here for a reason:

Everyone seems to agree that those black strings muffle the lower end.

But how are the reviews of this guitar more conventional strings?

I could try this guitar at a deal in England when I go to visit, but I'd have to try it with the black strings.

[Parlorman]

I use Martin Silk and Steels on my Rainsong P12. I like the bright sound and lower string tension.

Just put on Martin Marquis Silk & Steels and love them! First time I've ever tried silk and steel on any brand on any guitar, and love the way it plays!